If you have been struggling with bad breath, you aren’t alone. Over 80 million Americans suffer from chronic halitosis. This can be frustrating and even embarrassing when you are trying to speak to others. There are many different causes of this condition but most of them are related to bacteria in the mouth. Fortunately, you don’t need to continue putting up with foul odors in the mouth. Your dentist in Las Cruces shares some ways that you can prevent bad breath and stop it in its tracks.
Brush Twice Every Day
You Should be brushing your teeth two to three minutes at least twice a day in order to remove plaque and food particles. This one may seem obvious, but many people skip over brushing their teeth before bed. This only sets you up for morning breath the next day. You could also try having an additional round of brushing with baking soda in order to reduce the acidity in your mouth and make it more difficult for halitosis causing bacteria in the mouth to grow.
Clean Your Tongue
Food residue builds up on the tongue and can worsen halitosis. Remember to clean your tongue whenever you brush your teeth. You can do this by either using your toothbrush or and tongue scraper to remove residue buildups.
Floss Daily
Flossing removes the food debris and plaque between the teeth and beneath the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. If this isn’t removed, there will only be more bacteria feeding in the mouth and contributing to bad breath.
Use a Mouth Rinse
Mouthwash is a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine because it can help to wash away food particles and bacteria that you missed when brushing and flossing. However, remember that mouthwash will only temporarily cover up the problem and does not defeat it at the source.
Chew Gum
Having a piece of sugar-free gum helps to stimulate saliva production in the mouth. Saliva can reduce bad breath by washing away food debris and bacteria. It is also good for your smile because it neutralizes harmful acids that can weaken the enamel.
Have an Apple
High-fiber fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery are great snacks to have between meals. This is because they stimulate saliva flow and can help to alleviate bad breath caused by hunger and fasting. When you skip means, you could develop bad breath because the acids in your stomach build up.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated is important for almost every part of your body, including your smile. It helps to prevent dry mouth and washes away food particles and bacteria that has accumulated in your mouth throughout the day.
See Your Dentist
If you have been dealing with halitosis, this is a great thing to bring up to your dentist during your next checkup. They will be able to rule out any dental problems that could be a factor and give you some advice on how to handle it.
Don’t be discouraged by your bad breath. By taking these steps and working with your dentist, you will be able to work your way towards a fresher smile.
About the Practice
At Painted Skies Dental Center, you have not one, but two skilled dentists providing a wide variety of services to their patients in Las Cruces, NM. Dr. Ramon M Ortiz has spent considerable time furthering his education and volunteers as a mentor at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Natalie J. Ortiz earned her DDS from Creighton University School of Dentistry and has attended prestigious continuing education courses. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (575) 521-8720.